Chris Malpass saves country music...

Kirk Hamre · Post by **Kirk Hamre** » 24 Sep 2006 8:55 am

Country singer Chris Malpass, currently touring with steel guitarist Don Helms, may be just the kind of effort that saves country music from complete pop oblivion. I've seen this young man perform three times with Don Helms at the ISGC in St. Louis in 2005 and 2006 on the main stage, and just last weekend at the Hank Williams 83rd Birthday Celebration in Montgomery, Alabama.
Chris Malpass has all the makings of what used to be required to be considered a great musician and singer. NO studio creation here, you can leave the effects at home.

If your interested in hearing Chris, you can check out some music samples on his family website at http://www.malpassfamilymusic.com/

Don Helms and Chris Malpass recently recorded a CD together called "Turn Back The Years". This CD along with others recorded by Chris and his family are available at above Website.

Enjoy,
Kirk Hamre

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1977 Sho Bud LDG,3 Pedals, 4 Knees. 2006 Peavey Nashville 112 Amp. Boss GE-7 Equalizer. Sho Bud Volume Pedal. BJS Bar.

James Morehead · Post by **James Morehead** » 24 Sep 2006 7:19 pm

Kirk, You ain't liein' about Chris. I seen him and Don at St. Louis. He and Don put chills up and down my back, and goose-bumps on my arms--and NObody does that to me! This young man has done his homework on Hank Williams, for sure! Chris sure has a career ahead of him! We need more young folks just like him picking up the "torche of Real Country Music" I hope he will be in Dallas in March.

Bob Watson · Post by **Bob Watson** » 24 Sep 2006 7:30 pm

I got to see Don Helms perform with Chris Malpass at the steel show in Benton Illinois earlier this year and then again at the ISGC. It is a terrific show, Don sounds great and Chris sings like a bird. I would love to see them doing more shows. I think they would appeal to a very wide audience. Its one of those performances that really draws you in, they both play and sing from the heart. It doesn't get any better!

Tommy Minniear · Post by **Tommy Minniear** » 25 Sep 2006 7:36 am

We had the pleasure of having Don Helms and Chris Malpass in Columbia City, Indiana back in May of this year. Mr. Don was his usual great self in his playing and personality. Chris' contribution to show just absolutely put their show "over the top". His presentation and singing actually took you back in time. Listening to this show makes you realize how very little real country music is out there today.
The promoter who put this show on told me that he has had more positive remarks from people who were there, than any show he has promoted in his 30 years of promoting! I'd say that says it all!

Tommy Minniear

Jerry Hayes · Post by **Jerry Hayes** » 25 Sep 2006 7:38 am

At St. Louis this year I jammed with Chris and steeler Joe Turner late Saturday night in Joe's room. It was cool that this young man knew just about every song we threw at him. Yesterday I played at a steel jam in North Carolina which was attended by Chris and his brother (who's name I can't remember}. His brother plays the mandolin and they did some Carter family & Louvin Brothers things that were amazing. When I first met Chris a couple of years ago I asked him if he didn't have a dad I'd like to adopt him! My kids can't even hardly tie their shoes, let alone play music. Chris can just about do everything in the Merle Haggard catalog including some most folks haven't heard along with the Hank Williams things he does with Don H. I remember at Scotty's on the Saturday night show he did a version of Hank's "I Dreamed About Mama Last Night" which I'll have to admit actually brought tears to my eyes. Maybe there's hope for the younger generation after all. This boy's a winner!......JH in Va.

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Don't matter who's in Austin (or anywhere else) Ralph Mooney is still the king!!!

Dave White · Post by **Dave White** » 25 Sep 2006 8:21 am

Love the sound. It's like going back in time--I remember my dad playing Hank's old 78s back in the 50s. Don Helms sounds better than ever. Hope they come out to the West Coast some time.

Buck Grantham · Post by **Buck Grantham** » 27 Sep 2006 6:26 pm

Chris sings other styles too. In Gulfport ,Miss he sang some Lefty Frizell songs With me. He just absolutely has a beautiful voice for any type of music and he is a fine young man . I'm so proud that Don has him to play shows with. They make a great team.

Tommy Minniear · Post by **Tommy Minniear** » 28 Sep 2006 4:51 am

Buck,
You are right about the fine job Chris also does on the Lefty Frizzell songs. He sang a couple on the show that I was a part of back in May '06. A lot of people are not aware of the fact that Don recorded several songs with Lefty. The monster hit "Long Black Veil" being just one.

Tommy Minniear

Kenny Dail · Post by **Kenny Dail** » 28 Sep 2006 3:14 pm

Jerry Hayes, Chris's younger brother's name is TAYLOR. He is learning Steel and plays a good lead guitar and excellent mandolin.

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kd...and the beat goes on...